Director, Translational Medicine - Neurodegeneration

U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 301,000 - 412,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) to lead end-to-end translational strategy bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1–2).

You will oversee biomarker strategy, clinical endpoints, and early trial design, ensuring data-driven decisions, strong mechanistic links, and robust patient-relevant outcomes.

Qualifications

• MD/Neurology training with clinical experience in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Experience in translational medicine or early clinical development.
• Ability to shape development strategies and drive early clinical studies.
• Desirable: PhD/PharmD in Neurology/Neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute integrated translational strategies across neurodegeneration programs.
• Lead translational components from preclinical to Phase 1/2 clinical studies.
• Drive program progression through key decision gates (e.g., IND, TDP, IDPA).
• Collaborate with Biomarker Development colleagues to validate biomarkers and endpoints.
• Integrate biomarker strategy into clinical protocols and operations.
• Co-lead design and execution of early clinical studies (Phase 1/2).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration within global project teams (Clinical Development, Biomarker, PKS, PCS).
• Build collaborations with academic groups, patient advocacy, and tech partners.

Skills

Clinical Trials

Data Analysis

Data Monitoring

Drug Development

Medical Research

People Management

Education

MD, Neurology

Translational medicine/early clinical development

PhD/PharmD in Neurology/Neuroscience

Job description

Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director, Translational Medicine Expert (Neurodegeneration) to lead end-to-end translational strategy bridging preclinical research to early clinical development (Phase 1–2).

You will oversee biomarker strategy, clinical endpoints, and early trial design, ensuring data-driven decisions, strong mechanistic links, and robust patient-relevant outcomes.